Nick Yorke settling in at Red Sox alternate site

BOSTON --- It’s been a productive few days at the alternate site in Pawtucket for Nick Yorke.

The first-round pick by the Red Sox in this year’s draft is 3-for-4 with two walks in early action at the plate. Yorke’s pair of doubles include one off left-hander Matt Hall, who made four appearances for Boston prior to his most recent option to McCoy Stadium.

"I’ve been having so much fun getting on a field again," Yorke said. "Competitiveness-wise, [...]

BOSTON --- It’s been a productive few days at the alternate site in Pawtucket for Nick Yorke.

The first-round pick by the Red Sox in this year’s draft is 3-for-4 with two walks in early action at the plate. Yorke’s pair of doubles include one off left-hander Matt Hall, who made four appearances for Boston prior to his most recent option to McCoy Stadium.

"I’ve been having so much fun getting on a field again," Yorke said. "Competitiveness-wise, it’s fun going against another pitcher and having some at-bats. I’m having a great time out here."

Yorke was added to the 60-man player pool last week and figures to be among those in contention for a spot in an October instructional group in Florida. The Red Sox are tentatively planning on hosting prospects at their Fort Myers complex and in the process of firming up plans with local health officials.

"Still working on conversations with other teams about the possibility of playing a few games," said Ben Crockett, Boston’s vice president of player development. "Nothing is scheduled yet. Most teams are taking a wait and see approach to see how players come in."

The 18-year-old Yorke was selected 17th overall by Boston and signed for $2.7 million, passing up a college commitment to Arizona. His backyard workouts prior to receiving the call from the Red Sox front office included hitting in a batting cage against family members and former teammates. Yorke’s first at-bat against power right-hander Bryan Mata carried with it a significant jump in fastball velocity.

"I remember that first pitch he threw me," Yorke said. "He threw it for a ball but I was like – I didn’t know a ball could move like that. Then I put on my batting gloves, tried to compete and put a barrel on the ball and let him do the work."

bkoch@providencejournal.com

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